[Edition 47] SYDNEY, Tuesday: Former test cricketer Michael Slater has been dropped from the Orange mobile phone advertisement, after selectors became concerned about his recent performance.[Edition 47] SYDNEY, Tuesday: Former test cricketer Michael Slater has been dropped from the Orange mobile phone advertisement, after selectors became concerned about his recent performance.

The selectors explained it was a difficult decision, but said they were left with no option given the poor form Slater has shown all summer on the ad. An angry and disappointed Slater last night took a swipe at the selectors, arguing that his performance had been no worse than any other player’s in the advertisement.

The former test opener compared his record to that of Mark Waugh, who he claims has failed successively in his last few campaigns for Ansett and Nizoral.

It’s expected Slater will be replaced in the Orange ad by spinner Shane Warne, whose adeptness with mobile phones will lend sorely needed experience to the Australian line-up.

Michael Bevan will be retained for the ad, and will be used in combination with Warne to provide spin on a lame product that definitely needs it.

Selectors have refused to speculate on whether Slater will be recalled to the ad. It’s understood the New South Wales batsmen is meeting with Greg Matthews to discuss his possible selection in an Advanced Hair Studio ad for sideburns.